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Special Offer!

  • Up to $1000 discount per person on select 2023 departures 

*Special offers cannot be combined with other discounts

Iconic Christmas Markets

From Budapest to Nuremberg aboard a Premier River Vessel

Overview

Travel back through centuries as you walk along cobblestone streets through grand cities and historic towns bedecked with twinkling Christmas trees and lined with wooden huts gleaming with handcrafted treasures. Iconic Christmas Markets are plentiful and are on full display for your pleasure. Budapest’s Vörösmarty Square, where all products sold in the market are guaranteed as traditionally handmade; Vienna with its impressive Christmas Markets that seem to majestically appear around every corner; Nuremberg’s festive Christkindlesmarkt, the largest and oldest Christmas Market in Germany; and Regensburg’s Christmas Market at Thurn and Taxis Castle, considered one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic—they are yours to explore, along with many others throughout your journey. Sparkling lights; the festive sounds of children dressed as angels singing carols; enticing smells of hot-mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages and sweet treats of every kind; and timeless wonders are a feast for all your senses.

Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.

Itinerary

Day 1
Budapest, Hungary / Embark

Arrive in Budapest and embark on your luxurious river cruise ship. During the evening, cruise along Budapest’s famed illuminated riverfront.

Day 2
Budapest

Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle quarter in Castle Hill and Heroes’ Square, Budapest offers an unmatched combination of culture, tradition, and even a secret labyrinth of caves and caverns under the city. Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Afterwards, you’ll visit Vörösmarty Square, the oldest, richest, and the most spectacular of all the Christmas markets in Budapest.

Day 3
Vienna, Austria

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. Afterwards, you'll visit the Rathaus (Town Hall) Christmas Market. If you prefer a more active adventure, join a guided bike ride along the Danube. During the afternoon, visit the Karlsplatz (Artisans) Christmas Market, a local favorite, and the market at Schönbrunn Palace with a giant sparkling Christmas tree. Cap the day off with "Vienna by Night" Christmas Markets at the beautifully decorated Maria Theresaplatz Christmas Market, set among the world-renowned sights of Vienna's majestic Ringstrasse, and at the illuminated Rathaus, Vienna’s largest Christmas Market.

Day 4
Melk

High on a rocky outcrop lies Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent Benedictine Abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride along the Danube and through the scenic Strudengau Valley.

Day 5
Passau, Germany

Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas Market. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral, and Christmas Market, a feast for the senses. For the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube.

Day 6
Regensburg

Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas Market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage, and pretzels. Or bike to Walhalla where you will see the neo-Classical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Later in the day, you’ll be treated to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis Castle, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts.

Day 7
Nuremberg

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Join a city tour of WWII highlights and then walk through Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets to the Imperial castle and 900-year-old city ramparts. Alternatively, you can taste your way through the city with a Franconian specialties tour, which introduces you to Bratwurst, Rotbier (red beer), and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later, you can visit Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt (Christmas Market), one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas Markets. Stroll along as the aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread fill the air and browse through over 100 red and white canvas-topped booths offering an assortment of unique treasures, toys, and seasonal goodies.

Day 8
Nuremberg / Disembark

This morning, disembark your cruise in Nuremberg.

Reverse Direction, Nuremburg to Budapest

Days 1-2: Nuremberg
Day 3: Regensburg
Day 4: Passau
Days 5-6: Melk / Vienna
Days 7-8: Budapest

Iconic Christmas Markets route-map

Iconic Christmas Markets

Iconic Christmas Markets route-map

Highlights

Highlights

Experience celebrated Christmas markets along the Danube, including "Vienna by Night" at the Maria Theresaplatz Christmas Market
Enjoy walking tours of magnificent cities and guided bike rides along the Danube
Visit Melk Abbey, Salzburg's Old Town, the medieval city of Regensburg

Details

Length: 8 days
Cost From: $3499  
Full pricing
Arrive: Budapest, Hungary
Depart: Nuremberg, Germany
Lodging: 7 nights aboard a premier river vessel
View Lodging
Meals: All meals included aboard ship and with the group ashore, including house wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard
Activity: Cultural Adventures, Walking, Special Interest, River Cruising
Trip Level:

7-night cruise, cultural explorations and walking tours, optional bike tours
What the Trip is Like

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

Departures and Trip Cost

Price is per person in Category E, a deluxe stateroom with a window. Cabin upgrades are available at additional cost per person (listed below this chart).

Add a Pre-Cruise Land Program for an Additional Fee

Prices in the chart below reflect our cruise-only program. If you wish to extend your trip, we recommend a pre-cruise land program as described on our Itinerary page.

  • Nuremburg to Budapest Itinerary: Additional 3 nights Prague pre-cruise, from $900 (2022/2023)
  • Budapest to Nuremberg Itinerary: Additional 2 nights Budapest pre-cruise, 3 nights Prague post-cruise, from $1460 (2022/2023)

‡ Christmas Market visits may be limited on this departure. Most Christmas markets open during the last week of November until approximately December 22.

* Reverse Direction Nuremburg to Budapest

DATES SHIP NAME CRUISE ONLY
Nov 28-Dec 5, 2022 ‡* AmaVerde $3,499
Dec 2-9, 2022 * AmaSonata $3,499
Dec 5-12, 2022 * AmaVerde $3,499
Dec 9-16, 2022 AmaSonata $3,499
Dec 11-18, 2022 * AmaLea $3,499
Dec 12-19, 2022 AmaVerde $3,499
Dec 16-23, 2022 * AmaSonata $3,499
Dec 18-25, 2022 AmaLea $3,499
Dec 19-26, 2022 ‡* AmaVerde $3,499
Nov 26-Dec 3, 2023 ‡* AmaLea $3,399
Dec 2-9, 2023 AmaSonata $3,499
Dec 9-16, 2023 * AmaSonata $3,499
Dec 10-17, 2023 * AmaLea $3,499
Dec 11-18, 2023 AmaVerde $3,499
Dec 16-23, 2023 AmaSonata $3,499
Dec 18-25, 2023 * AmaVerde $3,499
Dec 23-30, 2023 ‡* AmaSonata $3,499

Price above is per person in Category E, a deluxe stateroom with a window. Cabin upgrades are available at additional cost per person (see below).

AmaSonata and AmaVerde Cabin Upgrade Pricing Per Person

Category Deck Stateroom 2022-2023 Price
D Piano Window add $299
C Violin/Cello French Balcony add $1099
BB Cello French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $1699
BA Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $1899
AB Violin/Cello French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2099
AA Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2299
AA+ Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2899
SS Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $3599

AmaViola Cabin Upgrade Pricing Per Person

Category Deck Stateroom 2022-2023 Price
D Piano Fixed Windows add $299
CB Violin French Balcony add $799
CA Violin/Cello French Balcony add $1099
BB Cello French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $1699
BA Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $1899
AB Cello French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2099
AA Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $2299
SS Violin French Balcony/Outside Balcony add $3599

Important: Dates, prices and itineraries are subject to change.

Pre-cruise Add-on Prague Land Program: from $900 (2022/2023)
Pre-cruise Add on Budapest and post-cruise Prague Land Program: from $1460 (2022/2023)

Port Charges: $210 (2022/2023) per person.

Single Supplement for Cruise: Please call for details.

Single Supplement for Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing.

Note: This cruise is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as agent in booking your reservation with the ship operator. The itinerary, lecturers, and all other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the cruise line.

Trip Cost Includes

  • 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom, (most with twin balconies)
  • Knowledgeable guides and immersive tours in every destination
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • Special interest tours
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed Internet access, hit Hollywood movies, extensive music library & English language TV stations
  • Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
  • Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes on board and on shore
  • Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
  • Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Daily entertainment, including cultural performances
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues
  • Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Trip Cost Does Not Include

Airfare; arrival/departure transfers; taxes or government fees; passports or visa fees baggage fees; travel, health, accident or other insurance vaccinations; laundry; any meals or beverages not specified in itinerary; optional excursions; gratuities or other items of services of a personal nature.

Trip Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: $400
100 days prior to departure: Balance

*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $200 per person
90-120 days prior to departure: $400 per person
60-89 days prior to departure: 35% of trip cost
30-59 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
7-29 days prior to departure: 80% of trip cost
6 days or less: 100% of trip cost

*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.

Arrival & Departure Information

You are responsible for your own transportation arriving to Budapest, Hungary, and departing from Nuremberg, Germany. If you have any questions, please call our office at 1-800-368-2794.

Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule.

2022 Departures
Arrival
Budapest, Hungary
Date: Day 1

Suggested Airport for Arrival
Budapest, Hungary (BUD)
Time: By 12:00 noon

Embarkation: Official embarkation time is 3:00 pm for all ships. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city.
Departure
Nuremberg, Germany
Date: Day 8

Suggested Airport for Departure
Nuremberg, Germany (NUE)
Time: After 12:00 noon

Disembarkation: Official disembarkation time is 9:00 am. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in, and you may disembark later providing you have vacated your stateroom and checked out before 9:00 am.

Lodging

AmaPrima

AmaPrima

The 164-guest AmaPrima provides a most distinctive river cruise experience. A magnificent glass elevator is one of the unique design elements found onboard, as well as the exclusive “Twin Balconies.” The beautifully decorated accommodations range in size up to 350 square feet. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar, or enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations. The ship carries a fleet of bicycles and safety helmets free for you to use. The bicycles let you venture out and explore the riverside bikeways or meander through quaint cobblestone streets. The bikes are set up and ready for use as soon as the ship docks. Thanks to the computer provided in your stateroom and high-speed Internet access plus Wi-Fi, you can stay connected with friends and family back home. The exclusive movies-on-demand system offers Hollywood’s current releases, a selection of classic films, or entertaining travel videos chosen to coincide with your itinerary. You’ll also enjoy a variety of English-language news, sports and satellite TV stations, as well as a selection of music channels. It’s all available on your flat-panel TV, and it’s completely complimentary.

View Image Gallery

AmaCerto

AmaCerto

The 164-guest AmaCerto is Inspired by classic ocean yachts, and provides the most distinctive river cruise experience. A magnificent glass elevator is one of the unique design elements found onboard, as well as our exclusive Twin Balconies. The beautifully-decorated and spacious accommodations range in size up to 350 square feet. Relax in a heated Sun Deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar or enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations. The ship also features a fitness center, spa, and beauty salon. The ship carries a fleet of bicycles and safety helmets free for you to use. The bicycles let you venture out and explore the riverside bikeways or meander through quaint cobblestone streets. The bikes are set up and ready for use as soon as the ship docks. Thanks to the computer provided in your stateroom and high-speed Internet access plus Wi-Fi, you can stay connected with friends and family back home. The exclusive movies-on-demand system offers Hollywood’s current releases and a selection of classic films. You’ll also enjoy a variety of English-language news, sports and satellite TV stations, as a selection of music channels. It’s all available on your flat-panel TV, and it’s completely complimentary.

View Image Gallery

AmaVerde

AmaVerde

Making her debut in 2011, the 161-passenger AmaVerde shares the distinction of having the largest average stateroom size (214 sq. ft.) in Europe with her sister ship, the AmaBella. An array of dining options is available for your culinary enjoyment. Choose Verde Fine Dining Restaurant, the ships’ main restaurant, serving gourmet cuisine, or Bella Cucina Restaurant, the second stylish restaurant, which offers classic Italian fare at dinner. At Erlebnis Chef’s Table Restaurant, passengers can watch a private chef prepare a tasting menu in this exclusive 24-seat venue. Guests can enjoy casual light lunch in the Main Lounge, or private dining in the Wine Room, seating up to six guests. On select days, enjoy lunch on the Sun Deck. There is also a heated pool and whirlpool, walking track, putting green, fitness room, sauna, and spa, and the ship carries a fleet of bicycles and safety helmets free for you to use. Thanks to the computer provided in your stateroom and high-speed Internet access plus Wi-Fi, you can stay connected with friends and family back home. The exclusive movies-on-demand system offers Hollywood’s current releases, a selection of classic films, or entertaining travel videos chosen to coincide with your itinerary. You’ll also enjoy a variety of English-language news, sports and satellite TV stations, and a selection of music channels. It’s all available on your flat-panel TV, and it’s completely complimentary.

View Image Gallery

AmaViola

AmaViola

The AmaViola is a sister ship to the AmaSerena and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. This 158-passenger vessel boasts spacious staterooms measuring a spacious 210-235 sq. ft., with four suites measuring 350 sq. ft. Each offers exclusive twin balconies and in-room Internet access and entertainment on demand. Passengers will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wine at multiple onboard dining venues. Additional shipboard amenities include a heated pool with swim-up bar, fitness center, spa, gift shop, and library, and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

View Image Gallery

AmaSonata

AmaSonata

The 164-passenger AmaSonata features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Exclusive Twin Balconies are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 350 sq. feet. Gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wine is available at multiple onboard dining venues: enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations in the main dining room or in the Chef’s Table restaurant with its own private chef, two Wine Bar venues, plus a casual al fresco bistro. On select days, guests can enjoy a lunch outdoors on the Sun Deck. There is also a heated sun deck swimming pool with a “swim-up” bar and whirlpool, and a fitness center and spa. Thanks to the computer provided in your stateroom and high-speed Internet access plus Wi-Fi, you can stay connected with friends and family back home. The exclusive movies-on-demand system offers Hollywood’s current releases, a selection of classic films, or entertaining travel videos chosen to coincide with your itinerary. You’ll also enjoy a variety of English-language news, sports and satellite TV stations, as a selection of music channels. It’s all available on your flat-panel TV, and it’s completely complimentary. The ship carries a fleet of bicycles and safety helmets free for you to use.

View Image Gallery

AmaLea

AmaLea

The AmaLea—set to debut in 2018—is a sister ship to the AmaKristina. "Twin Balconies" are available in most staterooms, which measure a spacious 210-235 sq. feet, with four suites measuring 350 sq. feet. Guests will enjoy gourmet dining with free-flowing fine wines at multiple onboard dining venues; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a "swim-up" bar; fitness center and spa; complimentary ship-wide Wi-Fi and in-room Internet and entertainment on demand; and a fleet of bicycles carried onboard for passengers to enjoy on their own or on guided bike tours.

View Image Gallery

Trip Level

This cruise is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Daily shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. To better accommodate guests and their individual fitness levels, AMA Waterways programs provide several  levels of walking tours whenever possible: “Gentle Walkers” are designed for slower walkers to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner, “Active Walkers” enjoy the tours at a normal pace, and there is also a “Late Starters” group offered to guests who prefer to sleep in. 
 

On Board AMA Riverboats

AMA Waterways specializes in high-end river journeys that navigate some of Europe’s most famous waterways. Their ships accommodate approximately 150 passengers in comfortable staterooms, all with scenic views. While this might sound like a lot of travelers compared to Wilderness Travel’s traditional small group trips, it’s a modest number of passengers in the cruise ship world and there are a number of comfortable lounges, dining rooms, bars, and sitting areas on board for you to find a perfect spot to socialize or quietly relax, depending on your mood.

There is a warm and welcoming feel to all AMA cruises. From the moment you step onboard, you will be welcomed by crew, staff, and leaders who are friendly, professional and English speaking. There is a high staff to guest ratio (1:3) that assures a feeling of being well-taken-care-of at all times. Your fellow passengers will come from a variety of English-speaking countries and guests tend to mingle freely. No need to bring fancy clothes as the atmosphere onboard is casual, although guests do tend to dress up for the Captain’s dinner.  

Staterooms range from 160-350 square feet (depending on category), and typical hotel room amenities include hair dryer, bathrobe, television, and mini-safe. Every stateroom has individually controlled air conditioning, internet access, wi-fi (free throughout the ship!) and a movie-on-demand system that offers a variety of English language channels, films and music options. Most staterooms have balconies, either walk-on or French, but lower categories just have fixed windows or portholes.

AMA is known for its efforts to bring in regional cuisine, which is always fun as you explore new countries and cultures. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with made-to-order specialties. Dinner is multi-course. Every lunch and dinner includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. Bottled water, specialty teas, and coffees are always available free of charge. All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to encourage you to meet your fellow travelers.  

Daily shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise, along with free time to explore on your own. Each tour is led by a qualified, local guide. At many stops, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options. Complimentary headset systems ensure that you hear every word of your tour. AMA ships carry more than two dozen bicycles and helmets, free of charge, for your use should you want to venture into the countryside.  

There is a reception desk onboard that is open 24 hours a day with somebody available to help you, should you need it. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English as the clientele is mainly North American, Australian, and European. All AMA cruises prohibit smoking inside their ships. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sun deck.  

Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.  There are no medical facilities on board although if medical services are needed, they can easily be called from shore. Laundry services are available for a fee.

All ships are equipped with either a whirlpool or a small, heated swimming pool.  If you think you might want to use this, be sure to pack a swimsuit!

Tips are not included in the price of the cruise, and are entirely at your discretion. The recommended rate suggested is 3 Euros per passenger per day to the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger per day to the crew, which will be divided up and distributed. You can use your credit card for this expense. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour.

Wilderness Travel enjoys partnering with AMA Waterways because they offer a high quality product with thoughtfully planned itineraries, allowing travelers to experience Europe’s most glorious architecture, medieval castles, historic villages, and idyllic countryside with minimal effort. Since these trips are relatively short, you may consider this as part of a longer, European adventure!

Explain Trip Level

Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Examples:
  • Royal Rajasthan
  • Indochine
  • Small ship cruises

Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Examples:
  • New Zealand: South Island Adventure
  • Our African safaris
  • Costa Rica Wildlife

Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Examples:
  • Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
  • Great Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
  • Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
  • Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.

Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Examples:
  • In Patagonia
  • Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Examples:
  • Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
  • Everest Lodge to Lodge

Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
Examples:
  • Everest Base Camp
  • Climb Kilimanjaro!

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.

Email Area Manager

References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

Email Area Manager

Resources

Travel Insurance
WT Gear Store

What to Know Before You Go

PASSPORT

A valid passport is required for traveling on this trip. Be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after the conclusion of your trip. It is a good idea to carry photocopies of your passport photo page in case your passport is lost or as an additional piece of identification, as well as two extra passport photos.

VISAS

No visa is required for US Citizens traveling to Germany, Austria and Hungary

MEDICAL

We recommend checking the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov should you have any international health concerns.

INOCULATIONS

No inoculations are currently required for Europe.

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1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Wilderness Travel Awards
1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
California Seller of Travel Registration No.: 1007696-40
Discover
  • Our Trips
  • New Trips
  • Special Offers
  • Top Ten Places in 2022
  • Wish List
  • Photo Blog
Keep in Touch
  • Contact Us
  • Catalog Request
  • Digital Catalog
  • Enews Sign-up
  •  
  •  
  •  
About WT
  • Welcome
  • How We Travel
  • Our Leaders
  • Making a Difference
  • Awards
  • WT in the News
  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
Resources
  • Reserving a Trip
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Toucan Club
  • Referrals
  • Post-trip Survey
  • Client Forms & Helpful Links
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel Agents
  • Gear Store
  • Gift Certificates
  • Site Map